Not too long ago, after upgrading my PC’s CPU and motherboard, I performed a fresh install ofWindows 11. I usually go through this process every year or two, or anytime I set up anew laptop, and it got me thinking about all the features I need to enable that Microsoft doesn’t turn onby default.
Windows 11 offers a wide array of user features andcustomization options. Understandably, many of these features are not enabled by default; however, they can be quite helpful for everyday tasks. Whenever I set up a new Windows 11 desktop or laptop, these are the five features I enable first to enhance my experience.
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5End task for the Taskbar
No more struggling to open Task Manager
It drives me absolutely bonkers when I’m playing a game, and it freezes instead of just crashing to the desktop. Then, when I attempt to close the program by clicking the X button to kill it, nothing happens, and I’m stuck looking at a frozen game or program that won’t close. Usually, you would have to hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete, open the Task Manager, and close it from there.
Luckily, there’s a much easier way to do this, without struggling to open the Task Manager. You can enable a feature that lets you end tasks right from the Taskbar. It’s game-changing, literally. All you have to do is go toSettings > System > For Developersand enable theEnd Taskoption. If a program freezes on you and doesn’t crash, you can now end it by simply right-clicking it in the Taskbar and selecting End task instead of Close window. This should be a feature that Windows enables by default in the future.
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4System Restore
Save your PC after a rogue update
While Microsoft now offersWindows Backup, which allows you to store your PC settings in the cloud, having a manually saved restore point can also provide peace of mind, especially if a Windows Update negatively affects your PC in some way (looking at you, 24H2).
System Restore first debuted with Windows ME (Millennium Edition) in 2000 and has been part of every Windows release since then. This legacysystem recovery toollets you create a restore point to which you can revert back to if you encounter any issues with Windows in the future. Be aware that it does take up storage space, as it saves your system and registry settings along with some personal files. It’s well worth utilizing that storage space, as it can make fixing your PC in the event of a bad update much easier.
To find System Restore, search for it in Windows search and select “Create a restore point.” You’ll see all the drives you can create restore points from there. If you create a restore point but want to delete it to save space, you can do so from the same screen by selecting configure.
How (and why) I back up my Windows 11 PC
You’ve got a variety of options, but one is going to be the go-to for most users.
3View file extensions in File Explorer
Never be confused about file types
I deal with many different file types on a daily basis, whether they are JPEGs, PNGs, PDFs, or Photoshop files. However, sometimes in the File Explorer menu, it can be hard to distinguish among them. That’s where this optional Windows feature comes into play, allowing you to view file extensions in File Explorer.
To enable this, go toFile Explorer > View > Show > File Extensions.Once you turn it on, you will immediately notice that all your files now have their file type listed at the end of their names. Microsoft probably does not enable this by default to avoid confusing newer users, but if you are savvy with Windows, this is incredibly handy for quickly deciphering what file type you are dealing with. As someone who captures and edits hundreds of images for work, this is a must-have Windows feature.
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2Clipboard History
Find any links or text you’ve copied instantly
I send a variety of links to people throughout the day, and one Windows 11 feature that makes it easier to view them all is Clipboard History. This feature is not enabled by default, but it saves your clipboard history, allowing you to quickly retrieve any links or text you’ve copied and pasted during the day.
To enable this handy feature, go toSystem > Clipboard> Clipboard History. Alternatively, you can bring up the Clipboard Menu and activate Clipboard History by pressing theWindowsKey + V.
Once you have turned it on, any links or text you have copied will be listed in your Clipboard Menu, enabling you to copy them again or view them. I’ve used this many times to find a link I copied earlier in the day, and I find it much quicker than checking my Google Chrome history to retrieve a link I wanted to revisit. It’s easy to delete your history as well; simply click theClear allbutton in the Clipboard Menu.
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1Automatically hide your Taskbar
Only see your Taskbar when you need it
I’ll admit this feature is incredibly niche, but as someone who uses a QD-OLED monitor every day, burning my Taskbar into the screen is the last thing I want to deal with. Windows offers a feature that allows you to automatically hide your Taskbar when it’s not in use. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps prevent screen burn-in.
To enable this, head toSettings > Personalization > Taskbar behaviors > Automatically hide the taskbar. Once it’s activated, your taskbar will disappear. But don’t worry; all you need to do to make it reappear is either hit the Windows key or hover your mouse near the bottom of the screen.
Here’s another bonus feature to check out: if you don’t like your Taskbar centered, you can change it back to the left, similar to past versions of Windows. From that same Taskbar behaviors settings screen, look forTaskbar alignmentand change it toLeft. I personally prefer the centralized Taskbar, so I kept it enabled.
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